Most people associate Home Staging with the dreaded 'D' word. Declutter! They think that a Home Stager will come in and tell them what they need to take out and remove.
That is part of it but most of my home staging consultations also include tips for the homeowner of items to purchase to make the home shine a little brighter. There are three top items I seem to always be recommending. These three things are not updates to the house or upgrades. They are items that you can take with you when the home sells.
1. New Towels
New towels are the best way to freshen up a bathroom. You know when you buy them and they are all soft and fluffy before you wash them a few times? That's what you want hanging on your towel bars.
They will become your 'pretend' towels that will only be hung for photos and for showings. Don't wash them and don't use them until your house sells. Then pack them up and take them to your new house because who can't use new towels!
2. Lamps
No one likes a dark house. Even if your home has a ton of natural light or many recessed lights, table lamps on end tables and nightstands warm up the space and makes it feel more cozy.
Be sure to turn on all your lights whenever possible when you have showings, even if it is a bright sunny day. And again....you get to take them with you when you move!
3. Throw Pillows
Most sofas are a neutral color like brown or tan. These aren't colors that photograph into a great statement for your MLS photos. By adding throw pillows you add color, pattern and texture to a room. It's also a perfect way to make a tired looking sofa look more alive!
This applies to beds as well. A bed shouldn't be just a comforter or bedspread with bed pillows. It too needs some interest and throw pillows are an inexpensive way to do so. This is most important in the Master Bedroom. A queen size bed should have three pillows (two matching and one accent in front) and a King bed may need as many as five but it does depend on the size of the pillows used.
Take a look around your home and see if these three things may help to make your home show better to both the camera and the buyers walking in your door. A professional Home Stager will be able to give you specific guidance as to color, lamp size and the number needed.
And remember......these items are not a sunk cost as you get to take them with you to use in your new house!
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